| Global retail industry news |  |
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- Loblaw line caters to sophisticated foodies
Loblaw is heavily marketing its Black Label line of gourmet products to foodies with ad campaigns and online how-to videos featuring recipes for sophisticated-sounding dishes such as chermoula roasted aubergine couscous. "We want the brand to be accessible to people that want to explore food, and not be so intimidating that it would only be for foodies," said Loblaw marketing executive Uwe Stueckmann. The Globe and Mail (Toronto) (tiered subscription model)
(27 Dec.)     
| Retail in Europe | | |
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- Starbucks applies US lessons in Europe
As it did when tough times struck in the US a few years ago, Starbucks will close some high-rent locations in Europe and open new cafes in more heavily populated areas, the company said. Despite a recent decline in European profits, expanding the brand on the continent is important as the US market matures, and Starbucks is working to customize shops and menus to meet local tastes. The Wall Street Journal
(27 Dec.)
| Retail in Asia | | |
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- Promoters boost sales at China's supermarkets
Grocery shoppers in China are likely to encounter plenty of promoters, typically young, attractive women offering samples of everything from Japanese chocolate to tofu made with spices from McCormick. A study from Bain & Company and Kantar Worldpanel shows frequent shoppers in China tend to buy a variety of brands; that lack of entrenched loyalty means picking a product often comes down to which brand has a promoter in the store that day, promoters say. China Daily (Beijing)
(28 Dec.)
| E-commerce Spotlight | | |
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- UK online shoppers set new Boxing Day record
UK consumers made a record 113 million visits to online retailers on Boxing Day, making it the busiest online day ever, but the 17% rise over the same day last year was lower than expected. Jumps of 86% on Christmas Eve and 71% on Christmas Day highlight the likely reason -- retailers are starting sales earlier than ever to meet growing consumer demand for deals, analysts say. The Telegraph (London) (tiered subscription model)
(27 Dec.)
| Spotlight on Fashion | | |
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- Princesses, pink hair and other 2012 fashion highlights
Kate Middleton's trendsetting style ranks high on this list of 2012's fashion highs and lows. The roster also ranks first lady Michelle Obama and her daughters up there for their ability to generate press whenever they wear fashions from retailers including J.Crew, Anthropologie, Zara, ASOS and H&M. The Wall Street Journal
(26 Dec.)
| NRF News | | |
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- Report: US and UK retailers lead in cross-channel development
Retailers in both mature and emerging markets are seeking the advantages of cross-channel retailing. And as more brands embrace these strategic and operational opportunities, retailers' internal organization must change as well. In an addition to the Shop.org white paper library, the Ebeltoft Group takes a look at cross-channel retailing in 17 countries, as well as the sectors with the best developed tactics. Download the white paper.
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 | If all misfortunes were laid in one common heap whence everyone must take an equal portion, most people would be contented to take their own and depart."
--Socrates,
Greek philosopher
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